EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --
Rank and Name: Senior Airman Danny Navo
Duty Title: 354th Maintenance Squadron phase inspection section apprentice
Hometown: Daytona Beach, Florida
Why is serving in the Air Force important to you? My father is a retired Air Force Master Sergeant. I was born into the military and knew at a young age I would continue serving. I wanted to give my family the same opportunities I had growing up and allow them to experience everything the Air Force has to offer.
What moment or accomplishment as a member of the Iceman Team are you most proud of and why? As a phase maintenance crew chief, part of our responsibilities include crash and recovery of any aircraft operating at Eielson. During RED FLAG-Alaska operations, our Crash and Recovery team responded to multiple in-flight emergencies, which involves coordination with the Eielson Fire and Rescue team to recover aircraft that experience malfunctions in the air or on the ground. It is a pretty cool feeling to speed across the flight line in order to make sure our aircraft and pilots are recovered safely.
What is your favorite part of your job? The best part is getting my hands dirty every day. I am always doing some different type of maintenance with a jet. I get to handle multi-million dollar components as well as remove and replace major parts which are essential for a successful flight. As an inspector, I am always looking for something that doesn’t look right, or needs to be serviced. I learn something new about this job every day.
Who inspires you and why? My wife is a huge inspiration to me. She graduated college as a helicopter pilot and is constantly pursuing her life goals while being adaptable to the Air Force lifestyle. She works full-time, but is still a dedicated wife and mother to our baby girl at home. I am constantly trying to keep up with her and all her accomplishments; she keeps me on my toes.
What's your favorite part about being in Alaska? The summers are definitely the highlight of living here. There are so many things to do outside without all the commotion of city life. I feel like I can always accomplish so much during the long hours.